When it comes time to replace your kitchen sink, you may be wondering what the difference is between porcelain and enamel sinks. Porcelain and enamel share a few similarities, including their remarkably similar appearance. Both materials offer beauty and elegance that will surely enhance your interiors immensely!
Are they the same, or are there significant distinctions between them? Is one better than the other? If these queries have been plaguing you, then your wait is over! This article will provide clear-cut answers to all of your questions. Keep on reading for more information!
What Is Porcelain?
Porcelain is an ideal material for a broad range of items, from toilets to kitchen and bathroom sinks. While it’s the staple choice for commodes, we often find porcelain used in bathrooms more so than kitchens.
Porcelain has been produced with two essential elements for centuries: kaolin and petuntse. Kaolin, otherwise known as china clay, is a silicate material that offers plasticity to the product. Petunse, or pottery stone, provides porcelain its impenetrable quality and semi-translucent appearance.
Related: How to Fix a Cracked Porcelain Sink in 5 Easy Steps
Pros And Cons Of Porcelain Sinks
Porcelain has several noteworthy advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the positive aspects of porcelain:
- With an extensive collection of kitchen and bathroom sinks, you can find the perfect match for any style.
- Durable construction ensures that these fixtures will last a long time, while a multitude of colors allows you to customize with ease.
- And best of all – their upkeep is minimal!
On the contrary, porcelain sinks have some downsides that must be considered, such as:
- Prone to cracking and chipping
- This material can also easily take on stains, which may make maintenance a challenge.
- Its weight makes installation difficult for inexperienced DIYers.
Porcelain Sink Maintenance
To make sure your porcelain sink remains in stunning shape for many years to come, consistently provide it with the proper care. You will be rewarded with a gleaming and glossy surface that is impervious to chips or discoloration – all you have to do is invest some effort into regular maintenance!
Clean your sink daily with a gentle cleaning agent for optimum results. To do this, mix two tablespoons of dish soap into one gallon of water and scrub the surface using a soft cloth or sponge.
Avoid abrasive sponges that may damage the composition as you remove buildup from soap scum, grease, dirt, and food scraps. After rinsing with warm water to ward off any residue left behind, make sure to use a soft towel to dry it completely and avoid any potential discoloration caused by lingering water spots.
Porcelain Sinks
1. Ufaucet Modern Porcelain Above Counter Bathroom Sink – BEST OVER ALL
2. Kichae Round Above Counter Bathroom Sink– BEST BUDGET
3. ARTETHYS And Faucet Combo Bathroom Sink – UPGRADE PICK
What Is Enamel?
Enamel is a common material utilized in sinks, but contrary to the belief that it isn’t composed of enamel alone. Instead, these types of sinks are usually crafted out of either cast iron or stainless steel and finished with an attractive glossy layer made from baked-on enamel. This gives the sink an added level of durability while maintaining its stylish allure which can enhance any area it’s installed in.
Enamel is a special blend of clay, feldspar, quartz, silica, and pigments that create an extraordinary powder. This tremendous compound is then applied to metal castings before being put through the intense heat of firing. After this process has been completed you are left with an ultra-strong finish – one certain to last for years!
Pros And Cons Of Enamel Sinks
Enamel sinks have several advantages, but they also come with a few drawbacks. Here are some of the primary benefits that enamel sinks provide:
- Exceptionally resilient
- Incredibly durable and resistant to impacts, scratches, and dents.
- A glistening, sleek finish that radiates sophistication.
Despite the many benefits of enamel sinks, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Prone to staining
- Can be heavy (Exquisitely enameled cast iron)
- Powerful and aggressive cleaning agents could erode the enamel coating
- If the enamel coating erodes, you may run into problems with rust.
Enamel Sink Maintenance
Caring for your enamel sink requires more effort than a porcelain one, yet is still quite simple. To begin the cleaning process, sprinkle an ample amount of baking soda over the bottom surface; afterward, spritz some hydrogen peroxide on top with a few drops. Subsequently use a soft sponge to scrub inside corners delicately and if present any red stains or rust spots then take advantage of lemons! Cut it into quarters and pass around these areas – you will soon see them magically vanish without harming the finish underneath. In conclusion, following this guide, you may easily obtain a gleaming & pristine-looking enamel sink!
The Difference Between Porcelain and Enamel Sinks
Porcelain and enamel sinks differ in composition, as porcelain varieties are composed of solid materials without a frame. On the contrary, enamel models require an underlying structure for secure installation.
Enamel sinks tend to appear distinct from porcelain ones due to the stainless steel or cast iron beneath their layers of baked-on enamel.
Consequently, these kinds of sinks are usually quite hefty, in contrast with the lighter weight of a porcelain sink. It may be difficult to discern which type you’re looking at, as they frequently come in neutral colors—most commonly white —which can make it hard to distinguish between them.
How to determine if your sink is made of porcelain or enamel.
Do you want to find out if your sink is porcelain or enamel? It’s easy! Porcelain sinks are solid, while enamel coats the metal below. Here’s how to determine which type of sink you have: grab a magnet and check if it sticks; if it does, then congratulations – you have an enamel sink on your hands! If not, there’s no need for disappointment – that just means that your trusty old friend is most likely made from porcelain.
Is Porcelain Better Than Enamel?
Compared to enamel, porcelain can often be the superior choice in certain situations. An example of this is when heavier enameled sinks require additional support which cannot fit into tight spaces or vanities. Porcelain is an ideal material for such pedestal-style installations being that it’s lightweight and long-lasting at the same time.
Enameled sinks prove to be the superior selection in various circumstances, such as when an apron-front kitchen sink with more strength and durability is desired. Porcelain may not have what it takes for heavier applications; however, enameled cast iron or stainless steel will provide the necessary robustness.
